W DESIGN COLLECTIVE

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Good To Know: Our Style

As a design firm, we get a lot of questions about our design style. What style do we like to work in, and how do we define both the work that we have already done and the work that we are currently doing. In the past, I have tended to describe our style as “clean-lined traditional.” Traditional spaces, made clean and modern. However, the more I thought about, the more I saw the limitations with that definition.

The reality is that we haven’t worked in just one style, and there’s not a phrase that can aptly sum up our work. Our goal is always to reflect our client’s style in a way that is successful and timeless, and we pride ourselves on providing work that is very customized and tailored to our clients’ wants and needs. Our homes contain our design sensibilities, but they reflect our client’s desires. For anyone looking for an interior designer to hire, this is so important. You want to find a designer that is not just going to churn out the same aesthetic over and over again, but one that is listening to you, and prioritizing what you want above any personal preferences.

Today for Good to Know, I thought we would talk through the styles that we have worked in so far, as well as our team’s dream projects, just so you can get to know our work and team a little bit better.

THE DALLAS PROJECT

This client wanted a “west coast” aesthetic to be infused into a home that they bought 1/3rd of the way finished. For this project, comfort and kid-friendliness was key, as the family had 3 children and four dogs. We helped with paint color, flooring, some tile selections, and all furnishings to achieve their desired aesthetic and dream home.

MARIANNE’S BUILD

For my own home project, I wanted to take things in a more traditional direction. I have been calling it “historic modern.”Once we have been able to fully move in, and we can shoot the project, you’ll be able to see the mix of traditional and modern elements that I have integrated throughout my home. For this home, I wanted to be able to mix traditional items, like the fireplace pictured below, with clean lines and modern features. I’m extremely happy with how it has all turned out, and I’m so excited to share more with you soon!

THE SPRING ROAD PROJECT

For this project, the home was already built, so we just took care of the furniture. The structure of the home is very traditional, but balanced that out by making the furniture a bit more casual.

THE SUNRISE DRIVE PROJECT

This build and some of the furniture were fully custom. The clients for this project were building their dream home after saving money for years through medical school and residency. They wanted a clean, and slightly modern design for their home.

DUTCH FIELDS PROJECT

The clients for this project described themselves as quirky, and they wanted to balance that with vintage items. We utilized historical hard finishes with antique furniture, colorful prints, and patterned wallpapers to create a one-of-a-kind space, which we are very excited to share more soon!

So, we definitely don’t have one specific style. However, we do have dream projects! We talk as a team about the homes that we would love to build, and the places that we would love to build them! Here are our team’s dream design projects.

TONYA’S DREAM PROJECT

SPANISH RANCH IN MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA

"I feel like Utah has an East Coast inspired aesthetic which I have always really loved, but I grew up in California and spent a lot of time in the Santa Barbara region and I have always loved the casual, organic and Spanish feel of the homes that line the hills overlooking the ocean. A piece of my heart still belongs there. My dream project right now would be a Spanish Ranch in Montecito, CA.  I just love how the homes are tucked in under the trees of this ocean-side town and everything just feels like it's been a part of the landscape forever.  Spaces filled with plaster, wood and just a hint of a Spanish flare feel like home to me.  I also love the casual, collected vibe that this area portrays and you can feel that just driving down the tree lined streets. "

KATIE’S DREAM PROJECT

NEW ENGLAND COLONIAL

“My dream project would be a New England colonial with ample windows, a minimal but historic feel, and a little dose of coastal sweetness. (Bonus points for attics, painted wood floors, and charming downtown locales!)”

First row (left to right):
Michelle Adams of the Maryn (via Gardenista); via Pinterest; Phoebe Troyer; Paula Greif (via Remodelista); Will Cooper of ASH NYC (via 1stdibs)

Second row (left to right):
Brook Lodge Hampshire via Light Locations; via Pinterest; Flint and Kent; Michael DePerno & Andrew Fry (via Connecticut Cottages & Gardens); Elizabeth Roberts

GEORGIA’S DREAM PROJECT

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BEACH HOUSE

“My dream project would be to merge my love of historical east coast elements and bring them to the west coast—all while adding a touch of modern refinement.”

Designer: Lee Ann Thornton

Designer: Cliff Fong

Image via Elle Decor

MARIANNE’S DREAM PROJECT

HISTORIC MODERN HOME IN THE SOUTH

“My dream project is in the south - maybe Charleston or Savannah. I would love to do a historic modern aesthetic using Workstead and Urban Electric lighting, Jasper fabrics, and clean line furniture.”

Image via Pinterest

Image via 1stDibs

Image via Happy Haute Home

MARCIE’S DREAM HOME

LONDON TOWNHOME

“I have so many dream projects that it is almost impossible to pick one, but for brevity's sake, here goes. I would dream to be part of a design team for a London Townhome remodel. I have long loved the combination and juxtaposition of old and new. I am drawn to interiors that take historical architectural elements and partner them with more classic and contemporary fixtures and furniture. I also love a touch of whimsy. I find that often my favorite designs incorporate some level or element of quirk. Adding the right mix of art and accessories provides the perfect opportunity to do so.

Picture via Park and Oak

Image via Rebecca Plotnik

Image via Pufik Homes